Hatton Christmas

On Christmas Eve, we made our way north to Wisconsin to see the Hattons. The excitement mounted that afternoon as everyone took a turn driving the snow plow.

We also had a rousing game of Wii bowling. I think watching a 8-month pregnant woman bowling had to be fun.

But not as much fun as watching Grandma.

Becca found a warm place and the dogs were very patient with her.


Chris enjoyed his gifts.


My favorite part of opening gifts was the kids making snow- angels in the wrapping paper.

Becca enjoyed sitting with Dad and the dogs and made herself very comfortable.


Patrick was happy to play with his new trucks.

Grandma and Great-Grandma chatting.

Becca made her way around the room and found Aunt Mary to be very accommodating...

...as well as Grandma.

Mike put together Patrick's pirate ship.


The kids found Grandma's reindeer antlers....

...and we all got in the act....


...even the unborn!

We also enjoyed the snow and the big hill leading down to the lake.


Patrick loved falling down and being chased by the dogs.


Becca was happier to be pulled around.


Grandma had a go at it too.

It was a hard day.

It was wonderful to see all the Hattons for Christmas and we hope to see you all again soon.

Sullivan Christmas

We headed to South Bend the weekend before Christmas to celebrate with the Sullivan clan. Patrick quickly found chairs and got the Venias to play train with him.

Luke was very popular at the party...


...but was happy just to chill out.

Becca was very happy with all the willing laps for her to sit in.


The kids found great ways to keep themselves busy.



My Grandma surrounded by 5 of her eight children.

My cousin Mike and his wife are also expecting so we had to get a shot of the two pregnant ladies. Too bad its a little fuzy.

As per tradition, we made the children entertain us with song.


We had the cousins open gifts from each other. They were very good about taking turns.

Luke just wanted to taste 'em.

We also gathered to baptist young Luke. His brothers were excited to welcome him to the faith.


It was great to see the Sullivans and we hope it won't be a year until we all gather again.

Pre-school Christmas

Patrick had his Christmas program at school. This picture is the two Pre-K 3 morning classes combine.

The gift Patrick made for us at school.

We'll have many more pictures after Christmas so come back again soon.

Christmas Tree Sunday

The second Sunday of Advent has been declared "Christmas Tree Sunday" here in the Hatton house. For the second year in a row, we went out to Talbott's Tree Farm with the Showalters and found our tree. Here is Patrick and the girls as we wait for the rest of the party.

Here we all are, four adults and 6 kids under the age of 5, on our search for the perfect tree.

Becca did very well in her new-to-her boots that are still a little too big.

Mike and Patrick lead the way into the woods.

All the kids got to take a turn at cutting down the tree under the careful eye of Mike of course.

Its hard to tell which Showalter girl this is. They all have the same coat.


The victorious tree hunters with their prey.



After cutting down the tree and having dinner, we drove through the East Peoria Festival of Lights.




Patrick was very excited about the firetruck.

And here are the 4 and a 2/3 Hattons in front of our tree.

Quotes:
The morning after we got the tree, I was coming down the stairs with Becca and told her there was a surprise downstairs. Her first response was "Grandpa...Grandma?" and was a little sadden my my no. When we got to the living room she looked up and said "Oh the Christmas tree. It's beautiful!" and brought much joy to her mother's heart.

After finishing his dinner one night this week Patrick declared that it was time for a special treat. I asked him what he thought he should get. He replied "Something awesome! Like TOAST!" I laughed so hard I cried. I'm glad he can get so excited about toast.

Not sure what our schedule with be like the next two week so in case I don't post again, Merry Christmas to you all!